uv-laser triggering of multi-megavolt gas switches
The use of uv lasers to trigger multi-megavolt gas switches found in many large pulsed-power systems is discussed. Using 77 mJ from a low-divergence (100-..mu..rad) KrF laser system to trigger a 2.8-MV switch, we have demonstrated a 1-sigma jitter of 0.5 ns for a series of applied voltages ranging from 65% to 90% of the self-break voltage. (Jitter is defined as deviation of the data points from a best fit line through the data.) In this sequence of measurements, the triggering delay was relatively insensitive to voltage variations, changing by only approx. 2 ns for a 10% change in voltage. The low-divergence KrF beam is focused through a hole in one switch electrode, forming a breakdown arc in the high-pressure SF/sub 6/ between the electrodes. Breakdown arcs have been demonstrated which stretch all the way across the 11-cm electrode gap in the 2.8-MV switch. The sudden appearance of this conductive breakdown arc triggers the switch. Techniques, applications and results will be discussed.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76DP00789
- OSTI ID:
- 5182310
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-82-0619C; CONF-820626-3; ON: DE82016666
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
700203* -- Fusion Power Plant Technology-- Power Supplies
Energy Storage
ACCELERATORS
BREAKDOWN
CURRENTS
ELECTRIC ARCS
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELECTRODES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
FLUORIDES
FLUORINE COMPOUNDS
GAS LASERS
HALIDES
HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
KRYPTON COMPOUNDS
KRYPTON FLUORIDES
LASER RADIATION
LASERS
PARTICLE BEAM FUSION ACCELERATOR
POWER SUPPLIES
RADIATIONS
RARE GAS COMPOUNDS
SWITCHES
ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION